Susanne Hofmann – författare

This book illustrates how intimate workers in different socio-cultural contexts negotiate the commercial uses of their sexuality, identity, affect, and bodies, thereby often defying inequality, impoverishment,  and resource depletion in their regions. The studies shed light on the multi-faceted experiences of subjects involved in intimate economies, oscillating between personal empowerment and agency, as well as the required subjection to the demands of the current market regime, entailing participation in precarious employment, often involving bodily risk, economic exploitation and stigmatization. The contributions demonstrate the interrelatedness of market intimacy, family economies, and transnational care arrangements, and thereby challenge Western notions of the subject and the free market.

In our society there is an increasing demand for participation in shaping our built environment. Without civic participation, few major building projects can go ahead. Furthermore, the knowledge of the users with regard to utilization and how spaces are experienced is in fact an important tool for architects during the design process.

This volume presents examples of successful participation, according to a method developed in the practice test, in which the focus is on communication about and by means of atmospheres. Realized Baupiloten projects are supplemented by a wide range of participatory options—presented as practical guidelines that can be used for one’s own individual purposes. Therefore the book invites direct application.

Architecture Is Participation is not only targeted towards architects and architectural agents, but also towards communities, administrations, and especially the users of the city and architecture.

List of lectures and events:www.baupiloten.com/lectures